frommer''s honolulu, waikiki and oahu

by Jeanette Foster
Honolulu,
Waikiki &
Oahu
8th Edition
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About the Author
A resident of the Big Island, Jeanette Foster has skied the slopes of Mauna Kea—
during a Fourth of July ski meet, no less––and has gone scuba diving with manta rays
off the Kona Coast. A prolific writer widely published in travel, sports, and adventure
magazines, she’s the author of Frommer’s Hawaii, Frommer’s Maui, Frommer’s Hawaii
from $80 a Day, and Frommer’s Kauai. She’s also a contributing editor to Hawaii
magazine and the editor of Zagat’s Survey to Hawaii’s Top Restaurants.
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Contents
List of Maps
vi
What’s New in Honolulu, Waikiki & Oahu
1

The Best of Oahu
3
1
1 The Best Oahu Experiences . . . . .3
2 The Best Beaches . . . . . . . . . . . .4
3 The Best Snorkeling &
Diving Sites . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
4 The Best Golf Courses . . . . . . . . .9
5 The Best Walks . . . . . . . . . . . . .10
6 The Best Views . . . . . . . . . . . . .11
7 The Best Adventures for
Thrill-Seekers . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11
8 The Best Places to Discover
the Real Oahu . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12
9 The Best Luxury Hotels &
Resorts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13
10 The Best Bargain
Accommodations . . . . . . . . . . . .14
11 The Best Resort Spas . . . . . . . . .16
Pampering in Paradise
. . . . . . . .17
12 The Best Restaurants . . . . . . . . .18
13 The Best Shopping . . . . . . . . . .19
14 The Best Spots for Sunset
Cocktails . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20
15 The Best Oahu Websites . . . . . .21
1 The Island in Brief . . . . . . . . . . .22
Frommers.com: The Complete
Travel Resource
. . . . . . . . . . . . .30

2 Visitor Information . . . . . . . . . . .31
3 Money . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32
4 When to Go . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32
Oahu Calendar of Events
. . . . . .34
The Welcoming Lei
. . . . . . . . . .38
5 Health & Insurance . . . . . . . . . .39
Don’t Get Burned: Smart
Tanning Tips
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .41
6 Tips for Travelers with
Special Needs . . . . . . . . . . . . . .44
7 Getting Married on Oahu . . . . . .46
8 Money-Saving Package Deals . . .48
9 Getting There . . . . . . . . . . . . . .49
Flying with Film & Video
. . . . . .53
10 Getting Around . . . . . . . . . . . . .53
11 The 21st-Century Traveler . . . . . .59
12 Recommended Reading . . . . . . .60
Fast Facts: Oahu
. . . . . . . . . . . .62
Planning Your Trip to Oahu
22
2
1 Preparing for Your Trip . . . . . . . .64
2 Getting to the U.S. . . . . . . . . . .70
Fast Facts: For the Foreign
Traveler

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .71
For International Visitors
64
3
1 Waikiki . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .78
What to Do If Your Dream
Hotel Turns Out to Be a
Nightmare
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .84
Family-Friendly Hotels
. . . . . . . .88
Take a Healthy Vacation:
Have Your Next Medical
Checkup in Waikiki
. . . . . . . . . .97
Where to Stay
75
4
1 The Bar Scene . . . . . . . . . . . .243
2 The Club Scene . . . . . . . . . . .245
3 The Performing Arts . . . . . . . .247
4 More Entertainment . . . . . . . .249
Oahu After Dark
243
9
2 Honolulu Beyond Waikiki . . . . .102
3 The Windward Coast . . . . . . . .106
4 The North Shore . . . . . . . . . . .107
5 Leeward Oahu: The Waianae
Coast . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .110

6 Oahu’s Campgrounds &
Wilderness Cabins . . . . . . . . . .111
Where to Dine
115
5
1 Waikiki . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .115
Sunday Brunch at the Waikiki
Block Party
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .120
2 Honolulu Beyond Waikiki . . . . .123
Family-Friendly Restaurants
. . .131
Local Chains & Familiar
Names
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .136
3 East of Waikiki: Kahala . . . . . .141
4 East Oahu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .142
5 The Windward Coast . . . . . . . .143
6 The North Shore . . . . . . . . . . .145
Fun in the Surf & Sun
147
6
1 Beaches . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .147
Frommer’s Favorite Oahu
Experiences
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .152
2 Watersports . . . . . . . . . . . . . .158
Experiencing Jaws: Up Close
and Personal
. . . . . . . . . . . . .162

3 Nature Hikes . . . . . . . . . . . . .164
4 Great Golf . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .171
5 Other Outdoor Activities . . . . .176
6 From the Sidelines: Spectator
Sports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .177
Exploring Oahu
179
7
Suggested Itineraries
. . . . . . . .179
1 Guided Tours . . . . . . . . . . . . . .180
2 Historic Honolulu . . . . . . . . . . .182
3 Fish, Flora & Fauna . . . . . . . . .190
Especially for Kids
. . . . . . . . . .190
4 Spectacular Views . . . . . . . . . .193
5 More Museums . . . . . . . . . . . .195
Walking Tour 1: Historic
Chinatown
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .196
Walking Tour 2: Honolulu
Waterfront
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .201
Walking Tour 3: Historic
Honolulu
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .203
Walking Tour 4: Kapiolani
Park
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .208
6 Beyond Honolulu: Exploring

the Island . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .212
CONTENTS
iv
1 In & Around Honolulu &
Waikiki . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .223
Oahu’s Vibrant Gallery
Scene
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .224
2 Windward Oahu . . . . . . . . . . .239
3 The North Shore: Haleiwa . . . .240
Shopping
223
8
Appendix: Honolulu & Oahu in Depth
250
1 History 101 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .250
2 Hawaii Today . . . . . . . . . . . . .253
3 Life & Language . . . . . . . . . . .254
4 A Taste of Hawaii . . . . . . . . . .256
5 The Natural World: An
Environmental Guide
to the Islands . . . . . . . . . . . . .259
v
CONTENTS
General Index . . . . . . . . . . . .262
Accommodations Index . . . . . .270
Restaurant Index . . . . . . . . . .270
Index
262
List of Maps

The Hawaiian Islands 5
Oahu 6
Honolulu Neighborhoods in
Brief 24
Waikiki Orientation 26
Downtown Honolulu 28
TheBus 56
Waikiki Accommodations 80
Waikiki Dining 116
Honolulu Dining Beyond
Waikiki 124
Beaches & Outdoor Pursuits
on Oahu 148
Honolulu Attractions 184
Walking Tour—Historic
Chinatown 197
Walking Tour—Honolulu
Waterfront 203
Walking Tour—Historic
Honolulu 205
Walking Tour—Kapiolani Park 209
Eastern Oahu & the Windward
Coast 213
Central & Leeward Oahu 219
Oahu’s North Shore 221
An Invitation to the Reader
In researching this book, we discovered many wonderful places—hotels, restaurants,
shops, and more. We’re sure you’ll find others. Please tell us about them, so we can share
the information with your fellow travelers in upcoming editions. If you were disappointed
with a recommendation, we’d love to know that, too. Please write to:

Frommer’s Honolulu, Waikiki & Oahu, 8th Edition
Wiley Publishing, Inc. • 111 River St. • Hoboken, NJ 07030
An Additional Note
Please be advised that travel information is subject to change at any time—and this is
especially true of prices. We therefore suggest that you write or call ahead for confirma-
tion when making your travel plans. The authors, editors, and publisher cannot be held
responsible for the experiences of readers while traveling. Your safety is important to us,
however, so we encourage you to stay alert and be aware of your surroundings. Keep a
close eye on cameras, purses, and wallets, all favorite targets of thieves and pickpockets.
Other Great Guides for Your Trip:
Frommer’s Hawaii
Frommer’s Hawaii from $80 A Day
Frommer’s Kauai
Frommer’s Maui
Frommer’s Portable Maui
Frommer’s Portable Big Island
Frommer’s Star Ratings, Icons & Abbreviations
Every hotel, restaurant, and attraction listing in this guide has been ranked for quality,
value, service, amenities, and special features using a star-rating system. In country, state,
and regional guides, we also rate towns and regions to help you narrow down your choices
and budget your time accordingly. Hotels and restaurants are rated on a scale of zero (rec-
ommended) to three stars (exceptional). Attractions, shopping, nightlife, towns, and
regions are rated according to the following scale: zero stars (recommended), one star
(highly recommended), two stars (very highly recommended), and three stars (must-see).
In addition to the star-rating system, we also use seven feature icons that point you
to the great deals, in-the-know advice, and unique experiences that separate travelers from
tourists. Throughout the book, look for:
Special finds—those places only insiders know about
Fun facts—details that make travelers more informed and their trips
more fun

Best bets for kids, and advice for the whole family
Special moments—those experiences that memories are made of
Places or experiences not worth your time or money
Insider tips—great ways to save time and money
Great values—where to get the best deals
The following abbreviations are used for credit cards:
AE American Express DISC Discover V Visa
DC Diners Club MC MasterCard
Frommers.com
Now that you have the guidebook to a great trip, visit our website at www.frommers.com
for travel information on more than 3,000 destinations. With features updated regularly,
the site gives you instant access to the most current trip-planning information available.
At Frommers.com, you’ll also find the best prices on airfares, accommodations, and car
rentals—and you can even book travel online through our travel-booking partners. At
Frommers.com, you’ll also find the following:
• Online updates to our most popular guidebooks
• Vacation sweepstakes and contest giveaways
• Newsletter highlighting the hottest travel trends
• Online travel message boards with featured travel discussions
Value
Tips
Overrated
Moments
Kids
Fun Fact
Finds
What’s New in Honolulu,
Waikiki & Oahu
T
he minute you step off the plane, the

incredible dramatic beauty of Hawaii—
the deep sapphire ocean, the vivid blue
sky, the verdant green valley, and the
rainbow tropical vegetation—make the
journey to these floating isles of paradise
worthwhile. But the 50th state is con-
stantly improving on what Mother
Nature (or as we say in Hawaii, Pele, the
volcano goddess) originally built.
The island of Oahu, where the
famous Waikiki Beach and cosmopol-
itan city of Honolulu are located, is a
lot easier to get to these days with
more direct flights from the mainland
than ever. Lots of new attractions have
blossomed in the past year, everything
from improved old favorites to brand
new excursions under the sea, over the
sea, and even on dry land. If you have
ever dreamed of coming to Hawaii,
now is the time.
PLANNING YOUR TRIP Getting
to Hawaii has never been easier. Aloha
Airlines (
&
800/367-5250 or 808/
484-1111; www.alohaairlines.com)
now offers direct service from Hon-
olulu to Oakland, Orange County,
and Sacramento, California; Vancou-

ver, Canada; and Las Vegas, Nevada.
A new website to help you plan
your vacation to the islands is www.
hawaii.com. The step-by-step planner
includes information about travel
deals, lodging, transportation, book-
ing activities, tours, attractions, maps,
and exchange rates. Also included are
local events, cultural activities, and
news, plus the latest on the weather,
surf conditions, and Hawaii’s history.
WHERE TO STAY The old Waikiki
Marc Hotel has been sold to new own-
ers, and has undergone a $1.5 million
makeover. It recently opened as the
Bamboo, 2422 Kuhio Ave. (
&
800/
367-5004 or 808/922-7777; www.
aquabamboo.com), in the heart of
Waikiki, a block over from the Hyatt
Regency Waikiki. The 91 rooms range
from studio to one- and two-bedroom
units with kitchenettes and full
kitchens. Rates run from $145 to $265
(with deep discounts available on the
Internet).
Another “new” find is the Magno-
lia at Waikiki, 2566 Cartwright Rd.
(at Kapahulu Ave.;

&
808/985-
7488). Just a short walk from the
beach, this two-story oasis provides
one- and two-bedroom units with all
the comforts of home: huge living area
with TV/VCR, CD, soft, comfy furni-
ture, complete kitchen, separate din-
ing area, firm beds, and outside sitting
areas. Extras include a big Jacuzzi tub
and on-site laundry facilities. All for
just $150 a night. For more informa-
tion, contact Hawaii’s Best Bed &
Breakfasts,
&
800/262-9912; www.
bestbnb.com.
WHERE TO DINE A new restau-
rant to add to your culinary list: Little
Village Noodle House, 1113 Smith
St. (Chinatown;
&
808/545-3008).
The food here is “simple and healthy”
(their motto) and authentic Chinese
(Northern, Canton, and Hong Kong
style). Yes, there is take out, but even
more unique (for Chinatown) they
have parking in the back!
An “old” restaurant returning is

Eggs ’n Things, 1911–B Kalakaua
Ave. (at Ala Moana Blvd.;
&
808/
949-0820). Like the mythical Phoenix,
this breakfast-only eatery was resur-
rected within a year of the Christmas
fire that destroyed it. This popular
place is famous not only for its great
food but also for its all-night hours
(drop in at 3am and check out the
clientele scarfing down the humongous
breakfasts). Prices are surprisingly rea-
sonable, worth standing in line for.
ATTRACTIONS The Waikiki
Aquarium has spent $500,000 and 9
months to create the South Pacific
Marine Life Communities gallery,
which features more than 145 species
from the south and western Pacific.
The 5,000-gallon saltwater aquarium
(15 ft. long and 6 ft. high) has won-
derful attractions, like a 25-year-old,
167-pound clam, an archerfish that
spits water to catch bugs, a yard-wide
sea anemone, and jellyfish so clear you
can see what they’ve eaten for lunch.
For those who would rather stay on
dry land, the Hawaii State Art
Museum just opened in downtown

Honolulu, housed in the original
Royal Hawaiian Hotel built in 1872,
during the reign of King Kamehameha
V, at 250 S. Hotel St. (at Richards St.;
&
808/586-0900). All of the 360
works currently displayed were created
by artists who live in Hawaii. The cur-
rent exhibit depicts Hawaii, its history,
culture, and ideals through a variety of
mediums.
THE ULITIMATE SPA EXPERI-
ENCE SpaHalekulani, Halekulani
Hotel, Waikiki (
&
808/923-2311;
www.halekulani.com), Waikiki’s new-
est spa, just opened in 2003, the first
spa in Hawaii to explore the healing
traditions of the Pacific islands,
including Samoa, Tonga, Tahiti, as
well as Hawaii. Like everything else at
the top-rated Halekulani Hotel, the
spa is truly a “heavenly” experience.
From the time you step into the ele-
gantly appointed, intimate spa and
experience the foot massage to the last
whiff of fragrant maile, their signature
scent, this is a “must do” for spa afi-
cionados. Try something unique, like

the Polynesian Nonu, a Samoan-
inspired massage using stones.
Coming up: as we went to press the
Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort was
in the planning stages of adding a spa
to the property, designed by local spa
expert, Paul Brown.
WHAT’S NEW
2
The Best of Oahu
E
veryone ventures to Oahu seeking a different experience. Some talk about
wanting to find the “real” Hawaii, some are looking for heart-pounding adven-
ture, some yearn for the relaxing and healing powers of the islands, and others
are drawn by Hawaii’s aloha spirit, where kindness and friendliness prevail. All
kinds of memorable experiences can be yours. Imagine yourself hovering weight-
less over a rainbowed sea of tropical fish, sitting in a kayak watching the brilliant
colors of dawn etch themselves across the sky, sipping a mai tai while you take
in sweeping views of the south shore and the Waianae Mountains, battling a
magnificent game fish on a high-tech sportfishing boat, or listening to melodic
voices chant the stories of a proud people and a proud culture that was over-
thrown little more than a century ago.
This book is designed to help you have the vacation of your dreams. For those
too excited to page through from beginning to end, this chapter highlights the
very best of what Honolulu and Oahu have to offer.
1
1 The Best Oahu Experiences
To have the absolute best experiences
on Oahu, be prepared for a different
culture, language, cuisine, and way of

doing things. Slow yourself down—
you’re now on an island that operates
on its own schedule. To really experi-
ence the island, we recommend the
following:
• Get Out on the Water: View the
islands the way Mother Nature
does—from the sea. There are
many different boats to choose
from, ranging from tiny kayaks to
100-foot sightseeing vessels. Even
state-of-the-art boats guaranteed
to prevent seasickness are avail-
able. You’ll take home memories
of an emerald island rising out of
the cobalt sea with white wispy
clouds set against an azure sky or
the Waikiki shoreline colored by
the setting sun. See chapter 6,
“Fun in the Surf & Sun,” for
details on all kinds of cruises and
watersports.
• Plunge Under the Water: Don
mask, fins, and snorkel and dive
into the magical world beneath
the surface, where clouds of color-
ful tropical fish flutter by, craggy
old turtles lumber along, and tiny
marine creatures hover over exotic
corals. Can’t swim? No excuse—

take one of the many submarines
or semi-submersibles, but don’t
miss this opportunity. If you come
to Hawaii and don’t see the under-
water world, you’re missing half of
what makes up this paradise. See
chapter 6.
• Meet Local Folks: If you go to
Hawaii and see only people like
the ones back home, you might as
well stay home. Extend yourself,
leave the resorts and tourist quar-
ters, go out and learn about
Hawaii and its people. Just smile
and say “howzit?” which means
“how is it?” “It’s good,” is the
usual response—and you’ll usually
make a new friend. Hawaii is
remarkably cosmopolitan; every
ethnic group in the world seems
to be here. It’s fascinating to dis-
cover the varieties of food, culture,
language, and customs.
• Drive to the North Shore: Just an
hour’s drive from Honolulu, the
North Shore is another world: a
pastoral, rural setting with mag-
nificent beaches and a slower way
of life. During the winter months,
stop and watch the professionals

surf the monster waves. See chap-
ter 7, “Exploring Oahu.”
• Watch the Hula: This is Hawaii,
so you have to experience the hula.
A hula performance is a popular
way for visitors to get a taste of
traditional Hawaiian culture.
Unfortunately the Kodak Hula
Show at the Waikiki Band Shell at
Kapiolani Park closed in 2002. For
a more genuine Hawaiian hula
experience, catch the hula halau
performed Monday through
Friday at 1pm at the Bishop
Museum. See chapter 7.
• Experience a Turning Point in
America’s History: The United
States could no longer turn its
back on World War II after
December 7, 1941, the day that
Japanese warplanes bombed Pearl
Harbor. Standing on the deck of
the USS Arizona Memorial, which
straddles the eternal tomb for the
1,177 sailors and Marines trapped
below deck when the battleship
sank in 9 minutes, is a moving
experience you’ll never forget.
Admission is free. See chapter 7.
CHAPTER 1

.
THE BEST OF OAHU
4
2 The Best Beaches
See chapter 6 for complete details on
all these beaches and their facilities.
• Waikiki Beach: This famous
stretch of sand is the spot that
originally put Hawaii on the
tourist map. No beach anywhere
is so widely known or so univer-
sally sought after as this narrow,
1
1
⁄
2
-mile-long crescent of soft sand
at the foot of a string of high-rise
hotels. Home to the world’s
longest-running beach party,
Waikiki attracts nearly five million
visitors a year from every corner of
the planet. In high season, it’s
packed towel-to-towel, but there’s
no denying the beauty of Waikiki.
• Lanikai Beach: Hidden, off the
beaten tourist path, this beach on
the windward side has a mile of
powder-soft sand and water that’s
safe for swimming. With the pre-

vailing trade winds, it’s also excel-
lent for sailing and windsurfing.
It’s the perfect isolated spot for a
morning of swimming and relax-
ation. Sun-worshipers should
arrive in the morning, as the
shadow of the Koolau Mountains
(which separate Windward Oahu
from Honolulu) blocks the sun’s
rays in the afternoon.
• Kailua Beach: Imagine a 30-acre
public park with a broad, grassy
area with picnic tables, a public
boat ramp, restrooms, a pavilion,
a volleyball court, and food
stands. Add a wide, sandy beach,
great for diving, swimming, sail-
ing, snorkeling, and board- and
windsurfing, and you’ve just
described Kailua Beach, which is
tops on the windward side of the
island. On weekends, local fami-
lies consider it the place to go.
Great on weekdays, when you
practically have the entire place to
yourself.
• Kahana Bay Beach Park: If you
didn’t know you were in Hawaii,
you would swear this beach was in
Tahiti or Bora Bora. Picture salt-

and-pepper sand, a crescent-shaped
beach protected by ironwoods and
THE BEST BEACHES
5
Honolulu
Hanalei
Princeville
Lihue
Poipu
Kailua
Laie
Haleiwa
Makaha
Waikiki
Kaunakakai
Kaunakakai
Kaunakakai
Lanai City
Lanai City
Lanai City
Lahaina
Kahului
Hana
Kaanapali
Kihei
Waimea
Hilo
Kailua-Kona
South Point
Kauai Channel

PACIFIC OCEAN
PACIFIC OCEAN
NIIHAU
KAUAI
OAHU
MOLOKAI
LANAI
KAHOOLAWE
HAWAII
(The Big Island)
MAUI
HALEAKALA NATIONAL PARK
HALEAKALA NATIONAL PARK
HALEAKALA NATIONAL PARK
Kilauea Iki Crater
Mauna Kea
Mauna Loa
HAWAII VOLCANOES
HAWAII VOLCANOES
NATIONAL PARK
NATIONAL PARK
HAWAII VOLCANOES
NATIONAL PARK
Alenuihaha Channel











NORTH
PACIFIC
OCEAN
Vancouver
San Francisco
Los Angeles
Mexico City
Mexico City
Mexico City
2000 mi
2000 mi
0
0
2000 km
2000 km
2000 mi
0
0
2000 km
The Hawaiian Islands
Airport
Mountain

30 mi
0
0

30 km
N
The Hawaiian Islands
CHAPTER 1
.
THE BEST OF OAHU
6
Makaha
Waianae
Maili
Nanakuli
Makakilo
Waipahu
Kapolei
Ewa
Sunset Beach
Haleiwa
Mokuleia
Waialua
Wahiawa
Mililani
Pearl
City
Ko Olina
Farrington Hwy.
F
a
r
r
i

n
g
t
o
n
H
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THE BEST BEACHES
7
kamani trees, and as a backdrop, a
lush junglelike valley interrupted
only by jagged cliffs. Kahana offers
great swimming (even safe for chil-
dren), good fishing, and perfect
conditions for kayaking. Combine

that with picnic areas, camping,
and hiking trails, and you have one
of the best beaches on the island.
• Malaekahana Beach: If you’d like
to venture back to the Hawaii
before jet planes brought millions
of people to Oahu, back to the
days when there were few foot-
prints on the sand, then go north
to the romantic wooded beach
park at Malaekahana. This is a
place to sit in quiet solitude or to
beachcomb along the shore.
There’s good swimming most of
the time, and good snorkeling
when it’s calm, but no lifeguard
here. Surprisingly, very few visi-
tors come to Malaekahana Beach,
one of the best on Oahu—it’s a
true find.
• Sunset Beach: Surfers around the
world know this famous site for its
spectacular winter surf—the
waves can be huge, thundering
peaks reaching up to 15 to 20 feet.
During the winter surf season, the
best activity here is watching the
professional surfers attack the
giant waves. In the summer
months, Sunset calms down and

becomes a safe swimming beach.
It’s a great place to people-watch
year-round, as you’ll spot every-
body from wannabe Baywatch
babes to King Kong surfers.
• Waimea Bay: Here is one of
Oahu’s most dramatic beaches.
During much of the winter—
October to April—huge waves
come pounding in, creating strong
rip currents. Even expert surfers
think twice when confronted with
30-foot waves that crash on the
shore with the force of a runaway
locomotive. It’s hard to believe
that during the summer this same
bay is glassy and calm—a great
place for swimming, snorkeling,
and diving. Oh, and by the way,
despite what the Beach Boys
croon in their hit song “Surfin
USA” (Why-a-mee-ah), the name
of this famous surfing beach is
pronounced Why-may-ah.
• Pokai Bay: If you dream of a
powdered-sugar sand beach, a
place you can swim, snorkel, and
probably be the only one on the
beach (on weekdays), try this off-
the-beaten-path shoreline. Sur-

rounded by a reef, the waters
inside are calm enough for chil-
dren and offer excellent snorkel-
ing. Come with the aloha spirit
and a respect for local customs—
the local residents here don’t see
too many visitors.
CHAPTER 1
.
THE BEST OF OAHU
8
3 The Best Snorkeling & Diving Sites
A different Hawaii greets anyone with a
mask, snorkel, and fins. Under the sea,
you’ll find schools of brilliant tropical
fish, lumbering green sea turtles, quick-
moving game fish, slack-jawed moray
eels, and prehistoric-looking coral. It’s a
kaleidoscope of color and wonder. For
more on exploring Oahu’s underwater
world, see chapter 6.
• Hanauma Bay: It can get very
crowded, but for clear, warm,
calm waters, an abundance of fish
that are so friendly they’ll swim
right up to your face mask, a
beautiful setting, and easy access,
there’s no place like Hanauma
Bay. Just wade in waist deep and
look down to see more than 50

species of reef and inshore fish
common to Hawaiian waters.
Snorkelers hug the safe, shallow
inner bay—it’s really like swim-
ming in an outdoor aquarium.
Serious, experienced divers shoot
“the slot,” a passage through the
reef, to gain access to Witch’s
Brew, a turbulent cove, and other
outer reef experiences.
• Wreck of the Mahi: Oahu is a
wonderful place to scuba dive,
especially for those interested in
wreck diving. One of the more
famous wrecks in Hawaii is the
Mahi, a 185-foot former mine-
sweeper, which is easily accessible
just south of Waianae. Abundant
marine life makes it a great place
to shoot photos—schools of
lemon butterflyfish and taa’pe are
so comfortable with divers and
photographers that they practi-
cally pose. Eagle rays, green sea
turtles, manta rays, and white-
tipped sharks occasionally cruise
by, and eels peer from the wreck.
• Kahuna Canyon: For non-wreck
diving, one of the best dive spots
in the summer is Kahuna

Canyon. In Hawaiian, kahuna
translates as priest, wise man, or
sorcerer. This massive amphithe-
ater near Mokuleia is a perfect
example of something a sorcerer
might conjure up: Walls rising
from the ocean floor create the
illusion of an underwater Grand
Canyon. Inside the amphitheater,
crab, octopi, slipper, and spiny
lobsters abound (be aware that
taking them in the summer is ille-
gal), and giant trevally, parrotfish,
and unicorn tangs congregate.
Outside the amphitheater, you’re
likely to see the occasional shark
in the distance.
• Shark’s Cove: The braver snorkel-
ers might want to head to Shark’s
Cove, on the North Shore just off
Kamehameha Highway, between
Haleiwa and Pupukea. Sounds
risky, we know, but we’ve never
seen or heard of any sharks in this
cove, and in summer this big,
lava-edged pool is one of Oahu’s
best snorkeling spots. Waves
splash over the natural lava grotto
and cascade like waterfalls into the
pool full of tropical fish. There are

deep-sea caves to explore to the
right of the cove.
• Kapiolani Park Beach: In the
center of this beach park, a section
known as Queen’s Beach or
Queen’s Surf Beach, between the
Natatorium and the Waikiki
Aquarium, is great for snorkeling.
We prefer the reef in front of the
Aquarium because it has easy
access to the sandy shoreline and
the waters are usually calm. It has
the added advantage of being right
next door to the Aquarium in case
you see any flora or fauna you
would like more information
about.
THE BEST GOLF COURSES
9
4 The Best Golf Courses
Oahu is golf country, with 5 munici-
pal, 9 military, and 20 private courses
to choose from. The courses range
from 9-hole municipals, perfect for
beginners, to championship courses
that stump even the pros. See chapter
6 for complete details on these and
other courses.
• Ko Olina Golf Club (
&

808/
676-5309): Here’s a course that’s
not only in a beautiful setting, but
is also downright challenging. In
fact, Golf Digest named this
6,867-yard, par-72 course one of
“America’s Top 75 Resort Courses”
when it opened in 1992. The
rolling fairways and elevated tees
and a few too many water features
(always where you don’t want
them) will definitely improve your
game or humble your attitude.
• Turtle Bay Resort (
&
808/293-
8574): Of the two courses to
choose from here, we recommend
the 18-hole Arnold Palmer
Course (formerly the Links at
Kuilima), designed by Arnold
Palmer and Ed Seay; Golf Digest
rated it the fourth best new resort
course in 1994. Palmer and Seay
never meant for golfers to get off
too easy—this is a challenging
course. The front nine holes, with
rolling terrain, only a few trees,
and lots of wind, play like a course
on the British Isles. The back nine

holes have narrower, tree-lined
fairways and water. In addition to
ocean views, the course circles
Punahoolapa Marsh, a protected
wetland for endangered Hawaiian
waterfowl.
• Makaha Resort Golf Club
(
&
808/695-7111 or 808/695-
5239): The readers of a local city
magazine recently named this chal-
lenging course “The Best Golf
Course on Oahu,” and the readers
of Golfweek rated it one of Hawaii’s
top 10. Away from the crowds of
Honolulu and about an hour’s
drive, this William Bell–designed
course is in Makaha Valley on the
leeward side of the island. Incredi-
bly beautiful, sheer, 1,500-foot vol-
canic walls tower over the course,
and swaying palm trees and neon-
bright bougainvillea surround it;
an occasional peacock even struts
across the fairways. “I was dis-
tracted by the beauty” is a great
excuse for your score at the end of
the day.
• Olomana Golf Links (

&
808/
259-7926): This is a gorgeous
course located in Waimanalo, on
the other side of the island from
Waikiki. The low-handicap golfer
may not find this course difficult,
but the striking views of the
craggy Koolau mountain ridges
are worth the greens fees alone.
The par-72, 6,326-yard course is
popular with local residents and
visitors. The course starts off a bit
hilly on the front nine, but flat-
tens out by the back nine. The
back nine have their own special
surprises, including tricky water
hazards.
CHAPTER 1
.
THE BEST OF OAHU
10
5 The Best Walks
The weather on Oahu is usually
sunny, with trade winds providing
cooling breezes—perfect conditions
for a walk. Below are some of our
favorites, from city strolls to trails
through rainforests.
• Diamond Head Crater: Most

everyone can make this moderate
walk to the summit of Hawaii’s
most famous landmark. Kids love
the top of the 760-foot volcanic
cone, where they have 360-degree
views of Oahu up the leeward
coast from Waikiki. The 1.4-mile
round-trip takes about an hour.
See chapter 6.
• Makiki–Manoa Cliff Trails: Just
a 15-minute drive from down-
town Honolulu, this walk passes
through a rainforest and along a
ridgetop with nonstop views. The
somewhat strenuous loop trail is
one you’ll never forget, but it’s
more than 6 miles long, gains
1,260 feet in elevation, and takes
about 3 hours to finish. The trail
is part of the labyrinth of trails in
this area. The views of the city and
the shoreline are spectacular. See
chapter 6.
• Manoa Falls Trail: This easy
3
⁄
4
-
mile (one-way) hike is terrific for
families; it takes less than an hour

to reach idyllic Manoa Falls. The
often-muddy trail follows Waihi
Stream and meanders through the
forest reserve past guava and
mountain apple trees and wild
ginger. The forest is moist and
humid and inhabited by nothing
more dangerous than giant blood-
thirsty mosquitoes, so bring repel-
lent. See chapter 6.
• Chinatown: Honolulu’s China-
town appeals to the senses: The
pungent aroma of Vietnamese pho
mingles with the ever-present sweet
scent of burning incense; a jumble
of streets come alive every day with
busy residents and meandering
visitors; vendors and shoppers
speak noisily in the open market;
retired men talk story over games
of mah-jongg; and the constant
buzz of traffic all contribute to the
cacophony of sounds. No trip to
Honolulu is complete without a
visit to this exotic, historic district.
See chapter 7.
THE BEST ADVENTURES FOR THRILL-SEEKERS
11
6 The Best Views
• Puu Ualakaa State Park: Watch-

ing the sun set into the Pacific
from a 1,048-foot hill named after
a sweet potato is actually much
more romantic that it sounds. Puu
Ualakaa State Park translates into
“rolling sweet potato hill,” which
refers to how the early Hawaiians
harvested the crop. Don’t miss the
sweeping panoramic views, which
extend from Diamond Head
across Waikiki and downtown
Honolulu, over the airport and
Pearl City, all the way to the
Waianae range. Catch great photo
ops during the day, romantic sun-
set views in the evening, and starry
skies at night. See chapter 7.
• Nuuanu Pali Lookout: Oahu’s
best-looking side, the windward
coast, can be seen in its full natu-
ral glory from the Nuuanu Pali
Lookout, a gusty perch set amid
jagged cliffs that pierce the puffy
white clouds that go racing by. A
thousand sheer feet below, the
island is a carpet of green that runs
to an azure Pacific dotted by tiny
offshore islets. You’ll feel like
you’re standing on the edge of the
world. See chapter 7.

• Diamond Head Crater: The view
from atop this world-famous 720-
foot-tall sleeping volcano is not to
be missed. The 360-degree view
from the top is worth the 560-foot
hike. You can see all the way from
Koko Crater to Barbers Point and
the Waianae mountains. See chap-
ter 6.
• Lanikai Beach: This is one of the
best places on Oahu to greet the
sunrise. Watch the sky slowly
move from pitch black to wisps of
gray to burnt orange as the sun
begins to rise over the two tiny
offshore islands of Mokulua. This
is a five-senses experience: birds
singing the sun up; a gentle breeze
on your face; the taste of salt in
the air; the smell of the ocean, the
sand, and the fragrant flowers
nearby; and the kaleidoscope of
colors as another day dawns. See
chapter 6.
• Puu O Mahuka Heiau: Once the
largest sacrificial temple on Oahu,
today Puu O Mahuka Heiau is a
state historic site. Located on a
300-foot bluff, the Heiau encom-
passes some 5 acres. People still

come here to pray—you may see
offerings such as ti leaves, flowers,
and fruit left at the Heiau. Don’t
disturb the offerings or walk on
the stones (it’s very disrespectful).
The view from this bluff is awe-
inspiring, from Waimea Bay all
the way to Kaena Point. See chap-
ter 7.
7 The Best Adventures for Thrill-Seekers
See chapter 6 for details on these and
many other adventures.
• Soar in Silence in a Glider:
Imagine soaring through silence
on gossamer-like wings, with a
panoramic view of Oahu. A ride
on a glider is an unforgettable
experience. Glider rides are avail-
able at Dillingham Air Field, in
Mokuleia, on Oahu’s North
Shore. The glider is towed behind
a plane; at the right altitude, the
tow is dropped, and you (and the
glider pilot) are left to soar in the
thermals.
• Surf Waikiki in a Hawaiian
Outrigger Canoe: It’s summer-
time and there’s a South Pacific
swell rolling into Waikiki from
Tahiti; here’s your chance to try

surfing—in a Hawaiian outrigger
canoe. Numerous beach conces-
sions on Waikiki Beach offer the
chance to paddle an outrigger
canoe and surf back into Waikiki.
Not only do you get a great view
of Waikiki Beach from offshore,
but also the thrill of actually
catching a wave and gliding back
into shore.
• Float on the Thermals on a Tan-
dem Hang Glider: See things
from a bird’s-eye view (literally) as
you and an instructor float high
above Oahu on a tandem hang
glider.
• Leap into the Ocean: Even
though all the signs say
DANGER
-
OUS
,
STAY OFF THE ROCKS
, a
favorite pastime on Oahu is
climbing the stone precipice next
to Waimea Bay and leaping into
the ocean. This is for experienced
swimmers and is a summer-only
experience, as the thundering win-

ter waves drive everyone from the
sea, except the professional surfers
and the very, very stupid.
• Venture into the Deep: It’s
Hawaii—you have to see what it’s
like under the waves. Try scuba
diving; you can enjoy a “scuba
experience” with absolutely no
previous diving experience. Here’s
your opportunity to glide weight-
lessly through the ocean while you
admire the multicolored marine
creatures.
CHAPTER 1
.
THE BEST OF OAHU
12
8 The Best Places to Discover the Real Oahu
Oahu isn’t just any other beach desti-
nation. It has a wonderfully rich,
ancient history and culture, and peo-
ple who are worth getting to know. If
you want to meet the “local” folks
who live on Oahu, check out the
following:
• Watch the Ancient Hawaiian
Sport of Outrigger Canoe Pad-
dling: From February to Septem-
ber, on weekday evenings and
weekend days, hundreds of canoe

paddlers gather at Ala Wai Canal
and practice the Hawaiian sport of
canoe paddling. Find a comfort-
able spot at Ala Wai Park, next to
the canal, and watch this ancient
sport come to life. See the Calen-
dar of Events in chapter 2, “Plan-
ning Your Trip to Oahu.”
• Attend a Hawaiian-Language
Church Service: Kawaiahao
Church (
&
808/522-1333) is the
Westminster Abbey of Hawaii; the
vestibule is lined with portraits of
the Hawaiian monarchy, many of
whom were coronated in this very
building. The coral church is a
perfect setting to experience an
all-Hawaiian service, held every
Sunday at 10:30am, complete
with Hawaiian song. Admission is
free; let your conscience be your
guide as to a donation. See p. 186.
• Buy a Lei from Vendors in Chi-
natown: A host of cultural sights
and experiences are to be had in
Honolulu’s Chinatown. Wander
through this several-square-block
area with its jumble of exotic

shops offering herbs, Chinese gro-
ceries, and acupuncture services.
Before you leave, be sure to check
out the lei sellers on Maunakea
Street (near N. Hotel St.), where
Hawaii’s finest leis go for as little
as $2.50. See chapter 7 for a
neighborhood walking tour, and
see chapter 8, “Shopping,” for
details on where to buy leis.
• Observe the Fish Auction: There
is nothing else quite like the Hon-
olulu Fish Auction at the United
Fishing Agency, 117 Ahui St.
(below John Dominis Restau-
rant), Honolulu (
&
808/536-
2148). The fishermen bring their
fresh catch in at 5:30am (sharp)
Monday through Saturday, and
the small group of buyers bids on
all manner of fish. The auction
lasts until all the fish are sold. It is
well worth getting up early to
enjoy this unique cultural experi-
ence. See the Fish Markets section
of chapter 8.
• Get a Bargain at the Aloha Flea
Market: For 50¢ admission, it’s

an all-day show at the Aloha Sta-
dium parking lot, where more
than 1,000 vendors are selling
everything from junk to jewels.
Go early for the best deals. Open
Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday
from 6am to 3pm. See the box
“Frommer’s Favorite Oahu Exp-
eriences,” in chapter 6.
THE BEST LUXURY HOTELS & RESORTS
13
9 The Best Luxury Hotels & Resorts
• Halekulani (
&
800/367-2343 or
808/923-2311; www.halekulani.
com): For the ultimate in a “heav-
enly” Hawaii vacation, this is the
place. In fact, Halekulani trans-
lates into “House Befitting
Heaven,” an apt description.
When money is no object, this
resort is the place to stay. This lux-
ury resort is spread over 5 acres of
prime Waikiki beachfront prop-
erty and offers acclaimed restau-
rants. The atmosphere of elegance
envelops you as soon as you step
into the lobby. Even if you don’t
stay here, drop by at sunset to sip

on a mai tai at the gracious House
Without a Key and listen to
Sonny Kamehele sing Hawaiian
songs as a graceful hula dancer
sways to the music. See p. 83.
• Royal Hawaiian (
&
800/325-
3535 or 808/923-7311; www.
sheraton.com): Hidden in the jun-
gle of concrete buildings that make
up Waikiki is an oasis of verdant
gardens and a shockingly pink
building. The Royal Hawaiian
Hotel, affectionately called the
“pink palace,” is known around the
world as a symbol of luxury. Since
the first day it opened in 1927, the
Royal has been the place to stay for
celebrities, including Clark Gable,
Shirley Temple, President Franklin
Roosevelt, the Beatles, Kevin Cost-
ner, and others. The location is one
of the best spots on Waikiki Beach.
See p. 85.
• Sheraton Moana Surfrider
Hotel (
&
800/325-3535 or 808/
922-3111; www.moana-surfrider.

com): Step back in time to old
Hawaii at the Sheraton Moana
Surfrider Hotel, built in 1901.
Those days of yesteryear live on
today at this grand hotel. Entry is
through the original colonial
porte-cochere, past the highly pol-
ished wooden front porch, with
white wooden rocking chairs, and
into the perfectly restored lobby
with its detailed millwork and
intricate plaster detailing on the
ceiling. Time seems to slow down
here, tropical flowers arranged in
huge sprays are everywhere, and
people in the lobby all seem to be
smiling. At check-in, guests are
greeted with a lei and a glass of
fruit juice. This is a hotel not only
with class, but also with historic
charm. See p. 85.
• W Honolulu (
&
877/W-
HOTELS or 808/922-1700;
www.whotels.com): It’s expensive,
but worth every penny, to be
totally pampered in a low-key, ele-
gantly casual hotel that caters to
the business traveler but takes

excellent care of vacationers, too.
The W Honolulu can be summed
up in a nutshell by the button on
your room phone that says “what-
ever/whenever.” That’s what we
call service! If you’re craving peace
and quiet—away from the crowds
of Waikiki but close enough
(about a 15-min. walk) to shops
and restaurants—this is a perfect
location. See p. 98.
• Hilton Hawaiian Village Beach
Resort & Spa (
&
800/HILTONS
or 808/949-4321): This is Wai-
kiki’s biggest resort—so big it even
has its own post office. Some
3,000 rooms are spread over 20
acres with tropical gardens, thun-
dering waterfalls, exotic wild-
life, award-winning restaurants,
nightly entertainment, two brand-
new state-of-the-art spas, 100 dif-
ferent shops, children’s programs,
fabulous ocean activities, a
secluded lagoon, three swimming
pools, Hawaiian cultural activities,
two mini-golf courses, and Waikiki
Beach. This place is so big and so

complete, you could spend your
entire vacation here and never leave
the property. See p. 79.
• Kahala Mandarin Oriental
Hawaii (
&
800/367-2525 or
808/739-8888; www.mandarin
oriental.com): Since 1964, when
Conrad Hilton first opened the
hotel as a place for rest and relaxa-
tion, far from the crowds of
Waikiki, the Kahala has always
been rated as one of Hawaii’s pre-
mier hotels. A venerable who’s
who of celebrities have stayed at
the hotel, including every presi-
dent since Richard Nixon, a host
of rock stars from the Rolling
Stones to the Beach Boys, and a
range of actors from John Wayne
to Bette Midler. The Mandarin is
a completely up-to-date resort,
with exotic Asian touches, but it
retains the grace and elegance of a
softer, gentler time in the islands.
See p. 105.
• JW Marriott Ihilani Resort &
Spa at Ko Olina Resort (
&

800/
626-4446 or 808/679-0079; www.
ihilani.com): Located in the quiet
of Oahu’s west coast, some 17
miles and 25 minutes west of
Honolulu International Airport—
and worlds away from the tourist
scene of Waikiki—the Ihilani
(which means “heavenly splen-
dor”) is the first hotel in the 640-
acre Ko Olina Resort. It features a
luxury spa and fitness center, plus
championship tennis and golf.
The plush rooms are spacious,
with huge lanais and lagoon or
ocean views from some 85% of
the units. Who misses Waikiki
with luxury like this? See p. 110.
CHAPTER 1
.
THE BEST OF OAHU
14
10 The Best Bargain Accommodations
It is possible to stay on Oahu without
having to take out a second mortgage.
Here are some options.
• Aston Coconut Plaza (
&
800/
92-ASTON or 808/923-8828;

www.aston-hotels.com): Calling
itself a “studio apartment boutique
hotel,” the Coconut Plaza offers
free continental breakfast and the
kind of personalized service that
only a small hotel can provide.
Rates start at an astonishingly low
$90 for a basic double. The
recently renovated property has a
tropical-plantation feel, with big,
airy, island-style rooms, terra-
cotta tile, and lots of greenery; all
have private lanais. Ala Wai Golf
Course is just across the canal,
and the beach is 4 blocks away.
See p. 95.
• Royal Kuhio (
&
800/367-5205
or 808/538-7145): Families will
appreciate this hotel, one of the
best bargains in Waikiki. Each
unit in this high-rise condo has a
full kitchen, separate bedrooms,
and a living area with a lanai. It’s 2
blocks from Waikiki Beach and
within walking distance of every-
thing else of interest. All for just
$110 to $145! Not to mention the
free parking—a rarity in Waikiki.

See p. 96.
• Hawaiiana Hotel (
&
800/367-
5122 or 808/923-3811; www.
hawaiianahotelatwaikiki.com):
The lush tropical flowers and
carved tiki at the entrance on tiny
Beach Walk set the tone for this
intimate low-rise hotel. From the
moment you arrive, you’ll experi-
ence the aloha spirit here: At
check-in, guests are given a
pineapple; every morning, com-
plimentary Kona coffee and tropi-
cal juice are served poolside; at
check-out, flower leis are pre-
sented to the women as a fragrant
reminder of their vacation at the
Hawaiiana. The concrete hollow-
tile rooms, which start at $95
double, feature kitchenettes and
views of the gardens and swim-
ming pool. See p. 90.
• Magnolia at Waikiki (
&
808/
985-7488; www.bestbnb.com):
Hidden in the high-rise jungle of
Waikiki is this two-story oasis of

Waikiki of yesteryear. You enter
through a wooden gate into a gar-
den with a burbling fountain to
one- and two-bedroom units with
all the comforts of home: huge
living area with TV/VCR, CD,
soft, comfy furniture, complete
kitchen, separate dining area, firm
beds and outside sitting areas—all
for $150. Located just a short
walk to the beach and to Kapi-
olani Park, with easy access in and
out of Waikiki. See p. 101.
• Manoa Valley Inn (
&
808/
947-6019; www.aloha.net/~wery/
index): It’s completely off the
tourist trail and far from the
beach, but that doesn’t stop travel-
ers from heading to this genteel
1915 Carpenter Gothic home on
a quiet residential street near the
University of Hawaii. This eight-
room Manoa landmark—it’s on
the National Register of Historic
Places—offers a glimpse into the
lifestyles of the rich and famous in
early Honolulu. Each room has its
own unique decor and has been

named for a prominent figure in
Hawaii’s history. Rates are $99 to
$120 double with shared bath,
$140 to $190 double with a pri-
vate bath. See p. 104.
• Santa’s by the Sea (
&
800/262-
9912 or 808/985-7488; www.best
bnb.com): It’s just $135 for two
for this apartment right on the
ocean. The location, price, and
style make this place a must-stay if
you plan to spend time on the
North Shore. Santa’s is not located
on just any beach, but the famous
Banzai Pipeline. You can go from
your bed to the sand in less than
30 seconds to watch the sun rise
over the Pacific. See p. 108.
• Rainbow Inn (
&
808/488-7525):
This private tropical garden studio
has panoramic views of Pearl Har-
bor, the entire south coast of
Oahu, and the Waianae and
Koolau mountains. A large deck
and full-size pool are just outside
your door. Located close to Pearl

THE BEST BARGAIN ACCOMMODATIONS
15
Ridge Shopping Center, Rainbow
Inn is a short drive from all of
Oahu’s attractions, yet far enough
away to provide you with lots of
peace and quiet. At $75 to $85 a
night, this is one of Oahu’s best
deals. See p. 104.
• Ke Iki Beach Bungalows:
(
&
866/638-8229 or 808/638-
8829; www.keikibeachbungalows.
com): Set next to its own 200-foot
stretch of white-sand beach, this
collection of studio, one-, and
two-bedroom duplex cottages is
pure rustic Hawaii. It’s snuggled
between two legendary surf spots:
Waimea Bay and Banzai Pipeline.
Ke Iki is not for everyone, though.
The accommodations are modest,
though clean and comfortable.
Studios start at $65, and one-bed-
rooms at $90. See p. 109.
• Hale Pupukea (
&
800/262-
9912; www.bestbnb.com): This is

the Hawaii you’ve dreamed about;
on the hill overlooking Sunset
Beach lies this 3-acre, lavishly
landscaped property with a two-
bedroom, 1,000-square-foot cot-
tage, with private entrance and
enclosed garage. Everything you
could possibly want, from ironing
board to beach paraphernalia fill
the immaculately clean house. It’s a
short 5-minute drive to the beach,
15-minute drive to the shopping
and dining in Haleiwa, and a world
away from the urban hustle and
bustle of Waikiki. See p. 109.
CHAPTER 1
.
THE BEST OF OAHU
16
11 The Best Resort Spas
• SpaHalekulani, Halekulani Hotel,
Waikiki (
&
808/923-2311; www.
halekulani.com): Waikiki’s newest
spa, just opened in 2003, is the first
spa in Hawaii to explore the heal-
ing traditions of the Pacific islands,
including Samoa, Tonga, Tahiti, as
well as Hawaii. From the time you

step into the elegantly appointed,
intimate spa and experience the
foot massage to the last whiff of
fragrant maile, their signature
scent, this is truly a “heavenly”
experience. Try something unique,
like the Polynesian Nonu, a
Samoan-inspired massage using
stones and the nonu plant, or the
Ton Ton Amma, a Japanese amma
massage with ton-ton pounders.
See p. 83.
• Na Ho’ola Spa in the Hyatt
Regency Waikiki (
&
800/233-
1234; wwww.hyattwaikiki.com):
Waikiki’s first spa, just opened in
2001, is an airy, modern 10,000-
square-foot facility with a small
fitness center, a sauna, Vichy
showers, and a relaxation area.
The 19 treatment rooms are twice
the usual size, with plenty of room
to accommodate couples massage.
See p. 96.
• Abhasa Waikiki Spa in the Royal
Hawaiian Hotel (
&
808/922-

8200; www.abhasa.com): This
contemporary spa, spread out over
7,000 square feet, concentrates on
natural, organic treatments in a
soothing atmosphere, where the
smell of eucalyptus wafts through
the air. You can experience every-
thing from the latest aromather-
apy thalassotherapy (soaking in a
sweet-smelling hot bath) to shi-
atsu massages. Their specialty is a
cold-laser, anti-aging treatment
that promises to give you a
refreshed, revitalized face in just
30 minutes. See p. 85.
• Mandara Spa in the Hilton
Hawaiian Village Beach Resort
& Spa (Waikiki;
&
808/947-
9750; www.mandaraspa.com):
Opened in the summer of 2001,
this spa is located in the new Kalia
Tower of the sprawling Hilton
Hawaiian Village. In the 25 lux-
ury treatment rooms (each with its